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Senator Harry Reid was presented today the 2016 Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority’s Chairman’s Award. Former Board of Trustees Chairman and current Vice Chair Andy Wirth selected Sen. Reid for the award to recognize his outstanding service to the airport and his ability to secure federal funds to help keep Reno-Tahoe International safe and secure for 3.6 million passengers each year. Chairman Wirth’s tenure ran from July 2015 through June 2016.

“Every aircraft that lands or takes off at this airport, every traveler who walks through our terminal, encounters the most optimally safe, secure and convenient travel experience due in large part to Sen. Harry Reid,” said Wirth. “While he hasn’t piloted those airplanes, he helped by landing more than $350 million in federal grants for this airport during his 30-year senatorial career.”

Sen. Reid is primarily responsible for $350 million to fund 80 miles of concrete on airport runways, ramps and taxiways, for high-tech systems that guide aircraft during inclement weather, and a radar system to keep aircraft safely operating in Nevada’s mountainous terrain. His efforts also helped Reno acquire a new air control tower.

Sen. Reid said officials worked for years to secure funding for a new tower. “It wasn’t easy, but it was most certainly worth it,” he said. “Now this facility has a state-of-the-art aircraft tower worthy of an airport that serves four million people a year.”

Funds also went toward fire protection, snow removal vehicles and a top quality Transportation and Security Administration security and baggage-check system at Reno-Tahoe. Additionally, Sen. Reid helped secure funds to improve quality of life by providing sound insulation for 5,000 homes in neighborhoods close to the airport.

Wirth also said, “When you look at the Senator’s 30-year history of dedication to the safe operation of this airport, the people that live in and travel to this catchment area and this region, I can think of no one more deserving.”

Previous award recipients include elected officials and business and community representatives.

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board of Trustees consists of nine members appointed by the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. For more information, visit www.renoairport.com.